How IL-17 helps vaccines protect against tuberculosis
Role of IL-17 in Protective Vaccine-induced Immune Responses Against Tuberculosis
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · NIH-11161313
Researchers are trying to boost an immune signal called IL-17 during vaccination to help vaccines better protect people who are at risk for tuberculosis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11161313 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would be told that the team focuses on vaccine strategies that drive IL-17 and Th17 immune cells to live in the lungs. They use mucosal vaccination and adjuvants that promote Th17 responses in laboratory and preclinical models to create lung-resident immune protection. The researchers study how IL-17 causes chemokines like CXCL13 to bring protective T cells next to infected cells, form lung lymphoid follicles, and activate macrophages to control TB. Their goal is to build on BCG vaccination and make vaccines that stop tuberculosis more reliably.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People at higher risk for TB—for example those in areas where TB is common or people who previously received BCG—would be the likely candidates for related future vaccine trials.
Not a fit: People who are not at risk for TB or those with severely weakened immune systems may not receive benefit from these vaccine strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to vaccines that create stronger lung immunity and reduce tuberculosis infections and deaths.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier preclinical studies showed that Th17/IL-17–focused vaccines and mucosal boosting improved protection in animal models, but translation to routine human use remains limited.
Where this research is happening
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO — CHICAGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KHADER, SHABAANA A. — UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
- Study coordinator: KHADER, SHABAANA A.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.